Since there is no standard fireplace chimney, before
you decide which size and type of chimney brush you will need to clean your
chimney you'll have to first measure the inner dimensions of your fireplace
or woodstove chimney. To measure the inner dimensions of your chimney, you
will need to climb up on your roof. When accessing your roof, use the proper
safety equipment and use caution as you measure the inner dimensions of
your chimney.
How
to Measure the Diameter of a Metal/Pre-Fabricated Chimney:
For metal or pre-fabricated chimneys you'll need
to remove the chimney cap then measure the distance across the inner
diameter of the chimney. Select either a round wire or poly brush that
is the same diameter as your chimney. A Poly brush is recommended for
metal chimneys since it won't scratch and wear down the inner stainless
steel lining.
How
to Measure the Diameter of a Masonry Chimney:
For masonry chimneys you'll need to measure the inner
flue liner dimensions both directions. Buy a brush that is at least
as big as your chimney liner otherwise it will not reach the side walls
of your chimney and won't do an adequate job. If you buy a chimney brush
that is too big then it will be harder to get down the chimney but will
work unless excessively oversized. If you have an oval chimney liner
then you could buy a brush as large as the rectangular dimensions would
be then snip off the tines to make it oval. Some oval sized chimney
brushes are available. Call us if you can't find what you need.
Wire bristle chimney brushes are most commonly used and generally
do a great job. Homeowner versions and Master Sweep versions are
available. The Master Sweep version has more bristles and will generally
make the job easier and faster. Wire bristle brushes are not recommended
for metal chimney flues.
Flat Wire Bristle chimney brushes are stiffer than regular wire
bristle brushes and the flat tines provide better scraping action:
great when glaze creosote is present.
Poly chimney brushes are recommended for use
in metal chimneys as they don't scratch the chimney walls. Standard
poly brushes are very stiff and may be difficult to work into a
very dirty chimney and also do not go around any bends that may
be present in a chimney system. Pre-Fab poly brushes are more flexible
and are recommended where bends are present or heavy amounts of
creosote make cleaning difficult with standard poly brushes.
Fiberglass rods do not have a lot of bend in
them. They should be used in flues that are pretty much a straight
shot. The 5SB-30624M rods will flex up to 90 degrees to allow you
to enter the flue through most fireplaces but will not go through
a 45 degree elbow in the flue. The 5SB-36048M rods do not have much
flex in them at all. They are good for straight flues with heavy
creosote buildup requiring strength for pushing through the buildup.
Super Flexible Rods are used in chimneys where
there are tight bends present. These rods will bend around 90 degree
bends or more. Due to the extreme flexibility and thin rod diameter
they may become too flexible in long chimney runs. They are best
used when the bend is at the end of chimney and can be used in combination
with other style rods.
ProFlex Poly Rods are designed to be flexible
enough to go through sharp bends, offsets, breaches, or thimbles;
their flush brass fittings stop flue tile hang-up. Although large
in diameter these polypropylene rods are flexible and versatile.
These rods are generally too flexible for scraper use. Using an
adapter you can attach any brush or rod that has a 3/8" NPT.
Adapters are available to connect Lock-Fast Rod directly to Proflex
Rods, quick connects, and several others.
ProKleen 5 Foot Steel Rod - The 5' rod is made
of 1/4" steel. Use the 1' Starter Rod to insert into your heavy-duty
drill and then attach the other rods to your starter rod. These
rods may also be used as replacement rods for the RoKleen System.
The ProKleen Rods feature a spring-loaded, locking mechanism that
won't unscrew. Thus, your drill can rotate your ProKleen System
in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. 1 Foot Starter
Rod and 2.5 Foot Rod sold separately.
While you are concentrating on finding a brush
for your chimney, you might as well consider getting a chimney cap
too. Chimney caps not only cure drafting issues they also prevent
animals, weather elements, and debris from entering your chimney.
Chimney caps also keep water and moisture from penetrating the layers
of the chimney liner and causing premature failure and other chimney
problems.
Failure to properly clean your chimney can have some
serious consequences. Overtime as creosote builds up on the interior of
your chimney and passes through the three stages it becomes more and more
detrimental to the structure and function of your chimney and also the safety
of your home and family. As creosote develops it becomes extremely flammable
and could cause a major house fire. Choosing the right chimney brush and
regularly inspecting and cleaning your chimney with creosote remover will reduce the risk of a
devastating chimney fire and keep your chimney operating to it's greatest
potential.
If you are looking for a chimney
cleaning product you don't see please call us toll
free at 866-NORTHLINE (866-667-8454) or email us.
Questions? Call Toll-free 866-667-8454 All Orders Processed on Secure Servers
Hours: 9AM to 7PM Mon-Fri - Saturdays 9AM to 4PM Eastern Time Zone
Call Toll Free 866-NORTHLINE (866-667-8454)
Outside US call 989-821-7040
Fax 989-821-7203
How
to Measure the Diameter of a Metal/Pre-Fabricated Chimney:
How
to Measure the Diameter of a Masonry Chimney:
Failure to properly clean your chimney can have some
serious consequences. Overtime as creosote builds up on the interior of
your chimney and passes through the three stages it becomes more and more
detrimental to the structure and function of your chimney and also the safety
of your home and family. As creosote develops it becomes extremely flammable
and could cause a major house fire. Choosing the right chimney brush and
regularly inspecting and cleaning your chimney with 
All Orders Processed on Secure Servers
